The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Signs A Contract For Three AW139 Helicopters Plus Options

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has signed a contract for three AgustaWestland AW139 medium twin engine helicopters plus options for several additional aircraft. These helicopters will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line.

This order marks the entrance of the AW139 helicopter into the Malaysian government market and follows the earlier success of the aircraft in the Malaysian commercial market. The MMEA adds to the growing number of customers which have placed orders for or are already operating the AW139 for homeland security, maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, including the Japan Coast Guard, Korean Coast Guard, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sasemar), Estonian Border Guard, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Italian Coast Guard.

A new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards against which all new medium twin are measured, the AW139 has been designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, offering unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest cabin in its class. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 kts (306 km/h), a maximum range of 573 nm (1061 km) and over 5 hours endurance, the AW139 helicopter offers class leading mission capability. State-of-the-art mission-dedicated technology and equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish the most demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions.

Orders for more than 400 AW139s have been placed by over 100 customers from around 40 countries for several applications including EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles.

Following the recent establishment of its Malaysian subsidiary AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the company continues to expand its presence in Malaysia to get closer to its customers offering total capability solutions. A new regional maintenance and support centre was set up earlier this year, located at Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.